"Today's Mathematica Policy Research study on the positive results
produced by KIPP charter schools is welcome news for the many children
in America who don't have the opportunity to attend a good school.
Poverty, gangs, drugs and violence are enormous obstacles in the lives
of many children and there are too many people who say that there's
nothing schools can do about that. They're wrong. KIPP shows that a
well-run school that has the autonomy to do things differently can
change children's lives. Every school in America, charter schools and
traditional public schools, can do the same things that KIPP does and
can have the same results. We can do better at replicating great schools
and great programs, particularly with the help of studies like this one.
Armed with more data on a school operator's performance, charter school
authorizers can make more informed decisions and encourage replication
of successful charter schools. When we focus on growing quality schools,
give schools the autonomy they need to excel and hold them accountable
for results, we expand parent choice and give more children access to
the education they deserve."